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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






2. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






3. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






4. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






5. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






6. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






7. Closing section of a movement.






8. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






9. Unmusical - without tone.






10. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






11. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






12. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






13. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






14. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






15. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






16. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






17. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






18. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






19. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






20. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






21. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






22. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






23. To shift to another key.






24. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






25. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






26. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






27. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






28. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






29. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






30. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






31. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






32. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






33. The principal note of a triad.






34. A reprise.






35. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






36. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






37. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






38. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






39. A short light musical drama.






40. A string of chords played in succession.






41. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






42. A repeated phrase.






43. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






44. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






45. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






46. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






47. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






48. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






49. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






50. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.